My husband has these lines of red bumps all over his side. They itch like crazy and look inflamed. We are scared it’s an infection. What is this?

There are conditions other than bed bug bites that can result in similar symptoms. Allergic reactions, for instance, can cause red, itchy rashes that may resemble bug bites. Contact dermatitis, a reaction to skin contact with allergens or irritants, can also manifest similarly.

Other possible causes include scabies, which is an infestation by the itch mite, and shingles, a viral infection that can cause a painful rash. However, these conditions often have additional symptoms or distinct characteristics that help differentiate them from simple insect bites.